Posted By David Boraks On May 29, 2015 @ 6:04 am In Business,Letter from the Editor | 81 Comments

We’re sorry to announce that DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net are ceasing publication as of today. Over the past 9 years, we’ve taken a crazy idea – covering our small towns daily on the web – and turned it into a widely-read, much-loved and often-quoted news source that readers tell us they find indispensable. Alas, we haven’t turned it into a sustainable business: We’re in debt, we’re exhausted, and it’s time to go.

My colleague Lyndsay Kibiloski and I are proud of what we’ve built, with the help of so many people in the community. This decision has been painful and frustrating. Readership on our Lake Norman news network is actually at its all-time peak: We’re now the largest publication north of Charlotte, with more than 100,000 unique visitors (readers) per month from Charlotte to Lake Norman and beyond, according to Google Analytics. And we’ve won national and regional attention for our journalism and our news-on-the-web efforts.

But we’ve been unable to sell enough advertising to local businesses to sustain the sites, to pay me and, lately, to pay our staff. Our annual winter slump hit especially hard this year. At the same time, voluntary support from readers – which has always been limited – has dropped off.

I can’t say thank you enough to the handful of loyal advertisers who have bought and renewed long-term contracts. The Town of Davidson, Cornelius PARC, MSC Industrial Supply, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, Visit Lake Norman and MI-Connection have been pioneers in local advertising on the web. Private schools including Cannon and Davidson Day have found our sites a great way to reach prospective families. A few local real estate firms also have found advantages of adding us to their marketing mix. We’ve gotten some great testimonials: Davidson homebuilder Rodney Graham was an early advertiser and stayed with us for many years, crediting us with helping to sell out a project.

In some other markets around the US, community news sites have won advertising contracts from larger businesses – hospital groups, grocery chains, car dealers and other companies – as well as nonprofits. Alas, in the Lake Norman area, most local ad dollars still go to print publications.

And when local businesses or nonprofits do spend money on the web, it’s typically not going to community news. Instead, our neighbors who run small businesses – who are quick to urge us all to “buy local” – are sending money to places like California or New York – headquarters of the big internet companies. It’s been discouraging the past few years to have local business owners tell us they don’t have money for advertising, and then to see their ads on Google or Facebook.

Sales is a tough game. In 2013 we hired our first full-time advertising rep, Brandon Butler, and he succeeded in bringing in new revenues. But our total income has remained well below what we need to sustain and grow the business. Our plans had called for expanding to Mooresville and Huntersville, but we’ve never been able to line up the revenues to pay for that.

We’re also grateful to the small number of readers who understand that community news can’t be free. Thank you. You’ve contributed everything from a few dollars a month to a few hundred dollars a year to help pay for news gathering on DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.

But there aren’t enough of you. Just 2 percent of readers – only a few hundred – actually make those “voluntary subscription payments. The other 98 percent of readers have not responded to our twice a year campaigns, or to messages on our site, on our social media pages and in our daily emails.

Running a daily web newspaper and advertising network for Lake Norman has been rewarding, but exhausting. It’s been a team effort, and wouldn’t have happened without dedication and long hours from Lyndsay and me, as well as our salespeople, reporters, columnists and community news contributors. We’ve saved the site from death a few times before, and we are carrying a substantial debt. When things took turn for the worse again this winter, we agreed that rather than another all-out effort to save our business, we’re ready to try new things.

I’m sad and concerned that our sites are going dark. But we’re not the only game in town – there are other news sources here.

So that’s it. We’ll see you around.

WHERE WE’RE GOING

I’m heading to Europe with my family this summer. I’ll continue to work weekends as an announcer at WFAE-FM, and I’m looking around for the next opportunity – and my first paycheck in a decade. My colleagues Lyndsay Kibiloski and Brandon Butler (our advertising rep) are planning a new business venture. Around Davidson columnist Brenda Barger will finally get some well deserved rest and a chance to play with her grandchildren. Reporter Jonathan Cox left us April 30 and has a job lined up at an English-language daily newspaper in Cambodia. Our ace campus reporter Lincoln Davidson graduated in May from Davidson College and is heading to New York where he’ll write and edit for the Council on Foreign Relations. Theater reviewer Connie Fisher is looking around for a way to keep reviewing Lake Norman area theater. Our calendar editor and columnist Cathy Swiney still has her day job at JV Washam Elementary School and will keep looking for freelance opportunities in the area. If you’re looking for Jaletta Desmond’s “Life Happens” column, she’s syndicated and her column appears elsewhere. And fortunately, our “That’s What She Said” columnist Carol Bradfield still has her day job.

On behalf of the Town of Davidson I’d like to thank David Boraks, Lyndsay Kibiloski, Brenda Barger, and other DavidsonNews.net staff members for their years of service in providing top-notch journalism for the citizens of Davidson. Since 2006, DavidsonNews.net has shared news, information, and has kept citizens up-to-date on all town-related business including board meetings, important decisions regarding town policy, invitations to public information sessions, police and fire calls, photos of the day, and features on our fellow citizens in “Around Davidson.” These stories have engaged our citizens and have provided many opportunities for dialogue and discourse. DavidsonNews.net will be sorely missed. David’s integrity and professionalism were evident as he pioneered hyperlocal journalism in Davidson. The closing of his business is a great loss for our community.

I’ve always been amazed at how a small staff can crank out so much information on a regular basis.

Very sorry to see you go!

Rick

#3 Comment By Thomas Hazel On May 29, 2015 @ 7:01 am

Thank you for the blood, sweat, and tears. DavidsonNews.net has been a good venue for discussion of local issues, a reliable source for news in Davidson and beyond, and a fun place to see and hear about family and friends. DavidsonNews.net has been a staple for my family. We are so grateful for all of your years of hard work and dedication. You will be missed.

#4 Comment By Eileen Keeley On May 29, 2015 @ 7:51 am

David,
Thanks to you and your incredibly talented and dedicated cadre of writers for informing, educating, and entertaining us for so many years. You and your team’s commitment to covering the news in Davidson and Cornelius has served our community well and has made DNN a staple in this community. What a gift you’ve given us for nearly a decade! I am so sorry to hear this news, and wish all of you the very best. DNN will be missed.

Eileen Keeley

#5 Comment By Susan Roberts On May 29, 2015 @ 7:53 am

Can we readers be encourage by the headline saying “for now?”

#6 Comment By Karen On May 29, 2015 @ 7:58 am

I am sorry to see you all go. I have not realized how much I have come to rely upon your site to keep me updated about local happenings.I always enjoy the articles and think you all have been a great source to keep me in the know about what is going on in my community. I wish good luck to everyone and hope that you will enjoy your new endeavors.

#7 Comment By Jenny Langford On May 29, 2015 @ 8:00 am

To the entire staff, thank you. You were our main source for local news. We always knew we could count on DNN to keep us informed and explain something we had seen or heard locally. It was incredible how on top of things your small staff was, and it will be so greatly missed.
You deserve a break, and you deserve our sincere thanks.
I suddenly feel lost…….
Jenny and Jon Langford and family

#8 Comment By Rusty Knox On May 29, 2015 @ 8:02 am

Man, I’m sad. This little idea, that grew so big, has been a daily part of my life. I’ve called to give a heads up when I see something newsworthy on the street as many have done. I’ve cherished the stories, editorials and pictures that David and the rest of the staff have brought into our lives. I’ve been around long enough to remember the old Mecklenburg Gazzette and its demise, that was a sad time as well. No doubt this has been a true labor of love and my heartfelt thanks go out to all who have contributed in the building, nurturing and polishing this little idea into the diamond it has been. See you in town!

#9 Comment By Chris Berl On May 29, 2015 @ 8:11 am

David,

We are all so proud of the venture that you built and the energy intelligence and wit that you put into. Congratulations on a great job done. Get some rest!

#10 Comment By Andy Beard On May 29, 2015 @ 8:11 am

David, this is like a death in the family. Thanks so much for giving it the old college try. Shortly the community will realize what a value you provided.

#11 Comment By Craig On May 29, 2015 @ 8:12 am

It’s sad to know that we are no longer going to get up to date daily news and instead have to rely on the other area publications either weekly or monthly.

#12 Comment By Wendi Amos On May 29, 2015 @ 8:14 am

Thank you, David, for your dedication to our town. It’s definitely a sad end of an era to see dn.net go, but, we wish you every success as you begin your new adventures. No doubt whoever lands your talent and experience will be very lucky indeed.

#13 Comment By marlene stabin On May 29, 2015 @ 8:16 am

I am very sad you are closing the online newspaper. I have so enjoyed reading it and keeping me informed. It is too bad local businesses could not support you more with ads.
I wish you and all the staff the best.

#14 Comment By Tim Dreffer On May 29, 2015 @ 8:31 am

Thank you David & staff! The access to news and insight in Davidson will be sorely missed! Best wishes to you and everyone involved…hopefully you’ll find a way to come back on some kind of reunion tour!

#15 Comment By Motria Procyk On May 29, 2015 @ 8:38 am

Thank you, David and the entire DNN staff, for the remarkable work you have all done for nearly a decade. You helped our community grow stronger in so many ways. Your professionalism and dedication will be deeply missed. Best wishes for exciting new adventures. And again, thank you!

#16 Comment By Vallee Bubak On May 29, 2015 @ 8:40 am

I’m so grateful for your years of covering the toll lane issue and other area news. I have been amazed at your energy to report on so many different issues so quickly. Your publication will be greatly missed. I wish you a restful summer and much success in your next venture.

#17 Comment By John Cunninghyam On May 29, 2015 @ 8:48 am

Thanks to David and the staff for the wonderful service over these years. I don’t think we can realize now much we will miss Davidson News until we go without it for a while.

Best wishes for the future.

#18 Comment By Vernon On May 29, 2015 @ 8:52 am

You will be missed. I still have stories to send you.

#19 Comment By Judith Q Stewart On May 29, 2015 @ 9:03 am

David….just yesterday I called you with a report of a spontaneous combustion fire from a compost pile, and we discussed writing an article about such…information to help guide the safety and encourage people to be ecologicablly responsible in a safe way….who will we call now to help get this word out ? We are left flat ! Empty ! I know well this feeling loosing my husband recently, you writing the most lovely obituary for him, treasured words from you for me and his children to have forever….how does one replace these words that fill a persons heart…it is not possible !
Your gift is not just one of putting pen to paper, it is that your words are alive , and continue to resound in the hearts and minds of families and businesses throughout the communities.
Your vision to create all this, has been amazing . You have a very special talent and you unselfishly gifted it to all of us.
You your family have a much deserved vacation together, get filled back up.
Goodbye ‘for now’
Judith Q Stewart

And to your wonderful staff thank you as well and happiness in your new ventures.

Wishing I could say don’t go .

#20 Comment By aimee symington On May 29, 2015 @ 9:04 am

Such sad news! We are all going to really miss DavidsonNews and all that you have done for our community! Things around Davidson wont be the same. Not sure how everyone will know what is happening around town, what our neighbors did, when, and where, and how we will get our information about our community.

Thank you for all of your hard work!

#21 Comment By Bruce Henderson On May 29, 2015 @ 9:04 am

This is a sad day, David. I’m sorry you haven’t had greater support from the readers who benefited most from your work. The notion that credible news coverage is free, that it somehow materializes online without great effort, is a fantasy. Thanks for being Davidson’s connective tissue for nine years and great good luck to you and staff.

#22 Comment By Suzanne Churchill On May 29, 2015 @ 9:08 am

This is a great loss to our community. DavidsonNews.net was a pioneer in journalism, ahead of its time, and local readers and businesses missed a chance to support a good thing when we had it. As with global warming, we ignore the warnings at our own peril. When catastrophe strikes–your site shutting down–we feel may feel as if we’ve been hit by a sudden, devastating tornado. But this time, we won’t be able to check into davidsonnews.net for a reliable assessment of the damage. We will miss you!

#23 Comment By Dave Perry On May 29, 2015 @ 9:09 am

Very sorry to read this news, David! Your publication has been a huge asset to our community The College really ought to hire you to teach journalism!

#24 Comment By Kevin O’Neill On May 29, 2015 @ 9:19 am

David
Really sad to hear this.
Like many, your site has become a daily routine for me to catch up on local news.

To get readership up to 100,000 per month is pretty amazing.

Hopefully, the citizens and businesses of Davidson and Cornelius can convince you at some point in the future to resurrect this great publication.

All the best
Kevin.

#25 Comment By Lex Alexander On May 29, 2015 @ 9:20 am

As a Davidson College alum and someone who played a small role in turning citizen journalism into a real thing a decade ago, I’m incredibly disappointed by this outcome — but, Lord, do I understand. I wish you and your staff all the best, and I hope you get some rest in the meantime.

#26 Comment By Shireen Campbell On May 29, 2015 @ 9:39 am

David, your commitment to first-class journalism in an age of
AP repeated stories astounds me. Our community has been improved because of DNN; without it we are less. As someone who read all the time, but never contributed (to my shame), I feel real responsibility for failing to support the vital services you’ve provided.

with thanks and regrets and wishes for a fabulous vacation, Shireen

#27 Comment By Susan Campbell On May 29, 2015 @ 9:40 am

I’m so very sorry to hear this news. I haven’t always had time to read the daily news that would miraculously show up on my computer screen, but I always knew you were there, and that you could be counted on. I thank and applaud you for your hard work and dedication. You enriched our community. You gave our older daughter her first job. You were there when we needed you. I cannot imagine the void that will ensue. Wishing you all the best.

#28 Comment By Sondra Rudy On May 29, 2015 @ 9:42 am

Shame on us for not supporting this wonderful resource for the Towns of Davidson and Cornelius. Now what are we going to do without DavidsonNews.net? I hope that after a well-deserved rest and vacation that you will reconsider your decision and bring back a new and improved online newspaper. The community needs you — we’ll allow you a summer vacation, but then please return rested and refreshed with even better ideas for this service. Please.

#29 Comment By Bonnie Newell On May 29, 2015 @ 9:48 am

David: we wish you the best summer in Europe ever. I, like all the others, are so sad to see this gem of information leave but the reality of this needing to be a solvent business is so true. We will be thinking about you while you travel, missing DNN and waiting for your return to new adventures.

#30 Comment By Eileen O’Flaherty On May 29, 2015 @ 9:55 am

David & staff:

I echo the heartfelt sentiments already expressed about how much I value the service you have provided to this town and how greatly you will be missed. You have been a servant leader in providing news for this area — now its time to stop being a servant and finally get paid.

THANK YOU for all the years of keeping our wonderful town connected and informed. You will be sorely missed!!

With gratitude, Eileen

#31 Comment By Boo Hess On May 29, 2015 @ 9:57 am

When I started to read this news, I kept hoping this was an April Fools issue.
David, what you created here is a treasure. Since all of our family live “away” now, I have loved being able to forward articles to them so easily. And how many times have I sent you a dog’s photo for someone to come and claim their dog in our yard? It always comforted me to know that if my dog got lost, I’d know where to look first — on DavidsonNews.net. At least now I won’t hear my husband say “We’re in Around Davidson AGAIN??” You and your staff have earned our greatest respect and the extended vacation, but we surely hope you will be back.

#32 Comment By J.D. O’Connor On May 29, 2015 @ 9:58 am

Very sorry to hear this as we are in the same boat and rowing very hard against a racing tide.

We have watched as local newspapers shriveled and died and as sites such as yours and ours sprung up in a gallant and engaging effort to inform and carry on the community discussion.

The long-term question, we suppose, is: how badly do the people want us? They say they want us a lot. We’ll see.

All the best to you and your team. A gallant endeavor… apparently very well fought.

NEWS24-680 (California)

#33 Comment By Taylor Batten On May 29, 2015 @ 9:59 am

Sorry to hear it, David. You have my immense admiration, and that of thousands of others, I’m sure, for your incredible effort in taking this as far as you did. The path and the outcome are discouraging for those of us in the news business — a high-quality outfit with good people doing real journalism for a large number of readers, and still can’t make it work financially. Goes to show what incredible flux the industry is in right now. Good luck going forward and know that you have many admirers for your intellect, your courage and your work ethic. Best, Taylor Batten

When I was a master’s degree journalism student at The University of Oklahoma I had a class (and textbook) in “community journalism.” The professor, John Casey, was a real proponent for working for and owning a small town newspaper, most of them weeklies. He had a financing scheme for buying out a local newspaper ownership (many in Oklahoma small towns) and becoming your own newspaper owner. That was in 1965 when weeklies were still a good living in newspapering–and social media was more about gossiping across the backyard fence between neighbors. My how media has changed–and the country and culture with it. Only old guys like me can lament where newspapering has gone since then.

#35 Comment By Margaret Stauffer On May 29, 2015 @ 10:15 am

David, thank you and your great staff for your service to our community. Have a wonderful summer with your family. We look forward to the future, hoping for good things for you.

#36 Comment By Mary Thornberry On May 29, 2015 @ 10:17 am

So sorry! What a real loss to the community. You did more than just keep us informed– you hepled build what Robert Putnam and others call social capital. Best wishes and my deep gratitude.

#37 Comment By Gwen Miles On May 29, 2015 @ 10:20 am

You have been my source of what’s going on! You will be missed!

#38 Comment By Chris Joakim On May 29, 2015 @ 10:42 am

Thank you for 9 years of excellent work. We took DNN for granted; should have subscribed. You will be missed in this wonderful town. Best wishes to you all.

#39 Comment By Rodney Graham On May 29, 2015 @ 10:45 am

David, this is such sad news. I remember when you started this idea as a little WordPress site about South and Walnut Streets in Davidson. My how it grew and what a wonderful service you provided to Davidson and beyond. No doubt a paycheck is important, but legacies are more important and you’ve created a legacy of doing something you love, are good at, and is a valuable service to this area. DavidsonNews.net will be sorely missed.

#40 Comment By Margo Williams On May 29, 2015 @ 10:52 am

David, say it ain’t so. I agree with all that has been said about your work ethic and determination to get the stories right, to give us your honest take on news and events. I want to add that you are a wonderful writer, with a command of language and the ability to find the precise words to convey your meaning. This is a rare gift in the day of the 24-hour news cycle and much to be admired. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing and for showing us what community news can be. Best wishes on whatever you choose to do next. Whatever it is, I know you will do it with your usual excellence.

With great appreciation, Margo

#41 Comment By Dinne Campbell On May 29, 2015 @ 10:54 am

David and Lyndsey, I am so sorry to hear your news. I was inspired to send what turned out to be DNN’s 1st donation on 1/29/08 because I loved your site so much. I then started working for you as your first ever Ad Sales Rep back in March of 2009. I moved to California in 2011 but have continued reading your site daily. Since I still own my house back there it keeps me connected. It was amazing to hear that readership is at 100,000 now. I remember when 3,000 readers was a huge milestone. You have done an excellent job and I wish you the very best. I will miss my daily dose of DNN.

#42 Comment By Greg Snyder On May 29, 2015 @ 10:56 am

Nuts. This is a sad piece of local news. It wasn’t just news, it was contact and community building. That contribution will cease for the future, but it can’t be erased from the past. You and the staff have played an important in making this local community what it is today.

#43 Comment By Pat Millen On May 29, 2015 @ 11:01 am

This is a HUGE community loss. I hope that after an appropriate period of time of rest and reboot, that there might be ways explored to fill the enormous vacuum that David and Company have so incredibly fulfilled for all of us for the past many years. In the meantime, let me just say, “Thanks for Everything!” From E2D and from the Millen-Keeley Family

#44 Comment By Bill Brannon On May 29, 2015 @ 11:10 am

It is truly sad to realize that this is your final production which I have enjoyed daily for these many years. What impressed me most was the QUALITY of your work and the INTEGRITY displayed. Thank you and best wishes.

#45 Comment By James Sanders On May 29, 2015 @ 11:16 am

David, it’s a great loss to our community. Thank you for your years of hard work and support.

#46 Comment By Rand Hartsell On May 29, 2015 @ 11:25 am

What a bummer.

#47 Comment By Sandra Johnson On May 29, 2015 @ 11:49 am

I’m heart broken and so sorry circumstances pushed you out. When I moved to H’ville from D’son, your e-news was an amazing comfort. Although I contributed, I’m sure it wasn’t enough. The guilt! Thanks to all of you for giving so much while receiving so little. You’ll be terribly missed. Sandra Johnson

#48 Comment By Cary Johnston On May 29, 2015 @ 11:51 am

When you returned our check a few days ago, I was disbelieving. I read you everyday. I count on you to keep me up to date on what’s going on in Davidson. I’ve loved reading the letters to the editor and writing some myself. How I wish this were an April Fool joke as someone wrote earlier. David, you and your staff have done a wonderful thing for North Meck and we thank you for it.
Cary Johnston

#49 Comment By Shawn Copeland On May 29, 2015 @ 11:59 am

To Lyndsay and the other staff of Davidson News: Thank you for your hard work and excellent journalism, and best of luck with your future endeavors. You have plenty to be proud of from your tenure with this unique news organization.

To Shelley, Emma, and Tilly: Thanks to each of you for the support that you have given David and for the sacrifices you have made that allowed him to do what he has done so well, often under trying circumstances. I know you (rightfully) are proud of your husband and father, and I know he is grateful for all that you have done to support him. We owe each of you our heartfelt thanks as well.

To David: You already know how I feel about you, your unswerving commitment to our community and first-rate journalism, and both the significance and sadness of the loss of DavidsonNews.net. For now, I will simply say that I am grateful for all you have done for so many, for so long, and for so little in return. I am also grateful to call you a friend, and I look forward to seeing you refreshed after your time away with the family this summer.

To the Rest of Us (myself included): This feels a little like the “bank run” scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but with the wrong outcome. We are indeed about to learn – the hard way – what an important part of life in our community DavidsonNews.net has become.

#50 Comment By Laurie Dennis On May 29, 2015 @ 12:33 pm

Dear David,
I am immensely proud to have been part of the start-up of DavidsonNews.net. It provided community journalism at its best: shining a light on government work, offering commentary and opinions on local issues large and small, highlighting the schools and business community, and gracing the town with quirky features, great photos and accurate calendar happenings. It was a thrill to be part of coverage of the opening of Hough High, the fabulous success of Steph Curry, and much, much more.
But I also witnessed the struggles to get financial support and the difficulty of turning an innovative and creative idea into a reasonable business plan that did not rely on raiding the founder’s savings and family time. I would like to commend you for all that you personally invested, always putting your employees first.
You and Lyndsay and Brenda and all the others offered a small town a great service and poured your heart into a worthy endeavor. I am sorry to see DNN sign off, but full of gratitude for the high standard you set for community web news.
– Laurie Dennis, Madison, Wisconsin

#51 Comment By Dylan Smith On May 29, 2015 @ 12:40 pm

Thanks for everything, David. You’ve shared so much great advice with fellow local indie publishers, and were there at the very start of LION Publishers. I’m sure you’ve got something kickass up your sleeve.

#52 Comment By Jenni Walker On May 29, 2015 @ 12:53 pm

David~ I’m so very sorry to hear this news. You have been an absolutely joy to work with over the years. Thanks for all you have done for the Davidson community and surrounding areas. DavidsonNews.net has been a great voice and resource for the community. Wishing you all the best in the future. Best, Jenni

#53 Comment By Cindy McPhail On May 29, 2015 @ 1:07 pm

I’ve been hoping all morning that this was some kind of joke, like a rally to get us all realizing how meaningful davidsonnews.net is to us. I am heartbroken that it seems this is not a joke. I cannot imagine what new home page I will choose that can ever beat the one I’ve had for years and years. Thank you for so much for so many years. Man, sad day in Davidson.

#54 Comment By barry saunders On May 29, 2015 @ 2:06 pm

As a former publisher of a one-man newspaper in Rockingham, N.C., I sympathize and empathize with what y’all have gone through. I tip my hat to you for fighting the good fight and for providing an indispensable news resource. It is my feeling that every time a newspaper closes, an angel loses its wings.

#55 Comment By Laurin Titus On May 29, 2015 @ 2:36 pm

Thank you…and please know you will be greatly missed!!

Is it ever too late to rally support?? For anyone reading this, you can still make a contribution on the Support Us tab through PayPal. Takes less than a minute.

#56 Comment By Marcia On May 29, 2015 @ 3:02 pm

Farewell fine authors, farewell! Thank you for capturing the heart and spirit of where we live through your outlet. Your sacrifices won’t be forgotten.

#57 Comment By Gilda Morina Syverson On May 29, 2015 @ 3:29 pm

What a disappointment! DavidsonNews.net, CorneliusNews.net, David Boraks and your amazing staff of journalist will be such a loss to this community. This truly was journalism at its best. I actually began to know what was really going on around North Meck. county. I am with the person who wrote this morning: “Can we readers be encouraged by the headline saying “for now?”

I for one will remain hopeful. Perhaps businesses, civic leaders and “we” the readership will recognize this loss and support a resurrection. In the meantime, wishing you all the best with gratitude for all you’ve offered.

#58 Comment By Dave On May 29, 2015 @ 3:53 pm

I just found out this website existed – what a shame! I live in Charlotte but attended Davidson and would have liked to keep tabs on the community. It sounds like you all did some good work.

#59 Comment By Dudley Carlson On May 29, 2015 @ 4:38 pm

Thanks so much for keeping the news coming for those of us who live far away but still hold Davidson dear. I grew up reading Elizabeth and will miss Brenda’s updates as well as the overview of the town and area as it grows and changes. Warm wishes to all of you, and hopes that some new means will emerge of keeping the news coming.

#60 Comment By S Kratt On May 29, 2015 @ 5:06 pm

Why is a subscription fee voluntary? Can’t you give it one last college try and slap a fee onto this superior and invaluable service? This website and your daily updates are superb. I was once a lonely newcomer here and your articles made me feel like a local before I deserved to be called one (I knew all the good stuff!). Thank you for everything. Davidsonnews.net can’t go down without a fight! What’s my balance?! I’ll pay! I’ll pay!

#61 Comment By Karen Dortschy On May 29, 2015 @ 5:14 pm

So sorry to hear this news. You all did a wonderful job reporting on community activities and events, and you will all be missed. “When one door closes…another opens…” — Helen Keller.

#62 Comment By Valerie Gibbons On May 29, 2015 @ 5:17 pm

I began reading DavidsonNews.Net when I first moved here several years ago. It was just part of the wonderful package you got living in Davidson. It is so disappointing to learn that our community will no longer have this reliable source of information. What a huge loss!

Thanks to David and the DNN staff for your commitment to quality and professionalism.
You will be sorely missed!

#63 Comment By Georgia On May 29, 2015 @ 6:09 pm

We are all saddened by this news and genuinely hate that it has come to this. You have been my only news source for several years now, so I guess I’ll just go back to being lost.
Thank to each of you for your hard work and dedication to our community. You will be missed.

#64 Comment By Malcolm Cambell On May 29, 2015 @ 6:36 pm

David,
You have done a great service to the entire community. Now I will have to stumble on information by chance.

#65 Comment By Samuel Foster On May 29, 2015 @ 6:43 pm

Sad, so so sad 2 year’ s homepage frowny face)==(

#66 Comment By Tracey Gladish On May 29, 2015 @ 8:38 pm

I really hate to see this. I grew up in the area and now live in Tennessee. I often knew things sooner than family in the area that did not read the news on this site. I wish I would have known sooner that there was financial issues. I just assumed that with all the money in the area that it was supported. I totally agree with David on the local companies touting “spend locally” yet send their dollars to out of town agencies. This is really sad but to me so is the fact that I no longer recognize much when I come to visit. Mom has sold her property and is moving so I really will not know what is going on there. David (and Brenda who knows my family) – Thank you so much for providing this for us. You will be missed.

#67 Comment By Greg O’Brien On May 29, 2015 @ 9:36 pm

Thanks to David and the DNN staff for your commitment to quality and professionalism. We really appreciated the site. You will be missed!
It was at least a twice a week routine for me to catch up on what was going on in Davidson.

#68 Comment By Ginger Griffin On May 29, 2015 @ 10:09 pm

So sad to hear this! Thank you for your years of wonderful coverage and perspective. All the best to you and your talented staff.

#69 Comment By Pat Patterson On May 29, 2015 @ 10:12 pm

I’m disappointed for all of you and most disappointed for all those lost pets who won’t be found thanks to Davidson news.net!Wishing you and Lindsey the very best because you deserve it for all your hard work to bring a community together. how about impressionist painting or acting as a career you awesome as Monet!

#70 Comment By Sam Spencer On May 29, 2015 @ 10:59 pm

David, big thanks to you and your team for a major contribution to our community. DNN will be missed.

#71 Comment By Kathy Harris On May 30, 2015 @ 10:25 am

I think it’s funny how some of these comments come from
Business owners who read Davidson news and very disappointed it’s closing, yet they want support it. I see many company’s in the local paper who spend money on something that doesn’t reach near what your guys have. I guess this town does not have the smartest bussiness owners in it. I hope you the best and thank you for the local news you have provided. I am also sadden all the people who used you wanting free coverage and never supported the online news.

#72 Comment By Memmi builtmore On May 30, 2015 @ 10:40 am

Exactly Kathy ! And when has Ginger Griffin ever advertised with them ? Her comment seems hypocrical, wouldn’t you agree ????

#73 Comment By Lydia On May 30, 2015 @ 10:48 am

Your valuable resource will be sorely missed. Thank you for years of news about the community.

#74 Comment By Allen On May 30, 2015 @ 12:33 pm

Thanks for the effort, so sorry to see it end. I’ve enjoyed the reading. I wish all involved in the venture nothing but the best in your futures.

#75 Comment By Susan On May 30, 2015 @ 2:03 pm

I’d like to nominate David and the entire staff of DNN for the Birney Award as Davidson citizens of the year. You have done so much for our community and your hard work and dedication has been invaluable. Thanks to everyone at DNN. Believe me, your reporting will be sorely missed!

#76 Comment By Chip Dawson On May 31, 2015 @ 12:33 pm

Disappointed…but not surprised, David. I was a reporter for a great print daily in Jamestown, NY in 1962 that ceased publication. The wake went on for a week. I know well how it feels to close something you believe in deeply. I was privileged and proud to be one of your columnists back in 2011-12. My CNN folder still sits on my desktop as a reminder of a wonderful time. My best to you and your staff and many thanks from Rochester, NY!

#77 Comment By Natasha Marcus On June 1, 2015 @ 3:55 pm

As this sad news and the loss it means for our towns continues to sink in, I wanted to add my name to the long list of disappointed, regular readers. Like many, I’ve come to rely on DavidsonNews.net as the best source of local news. Your work contributed greatly to our sense of community. I’m sorry the business didn’t work out the way you’d hoped. I thank you for all the information and perspective you’ve provided over these past 9 years.

#78 Comment By Jennifer On June 2, 2015 @ 1:55 pm

This is so upsetting! As a newcomer I read the website approximately 2-4 times per week and have it saved on my favorites bar! I would have gladly paid a small subscription fee. Such a great resource for our town and updates. So sad.

#79 Comment By Jason On June 5, 2015 @ 2:33 pm

David–all the best to you and your family moving forward. Your efforts have helped me and my family feel connected to our wonderful little town. Davidsonnews.net will be missed, and your ‘blood sweat and tears’ not forgotten. Cheers.

#80 Comment By Bryan Hall On June 7, 2015 @ 5:24 pm

David, I want to thank you and your staff for your effort in covering what I am doing for the Veterans of Davidson… It is greatly appreciated by those who served this country and may God cover you and your family in your travels also in the next endeavor…

#81 Comment By Rick Short On June 13, 2015 @ 7:06 am

It’s a poor replacement indeed, but try using the #DavNews hashtag to spread stories relevant to Davidson. Help keep hyper-local community news alive in Davidson!